Husband lost job and that covered insurance

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jayycat33 wrote:

Hi my husband just lost his job. I’m not sure what to do his employer covered 80 percent now we don’t have insurance for now. He was the breadwinner. I’m thinking of going to our states health and welfare. I have little education on insurances. What should I do? I want baby to be covered. :/ this is the worst timing. He was filing for short term disability leave and they called him yesterday saying his “provider “ didn’t deem him fit for his occupation anymore. We asked his provider if he said this and he said that he didn’t. Sorry for long post!!

I would try getting health insurance through the state. I know it sucks having to be on welfare and it may make you feel useless. But it’s better to be safe. Babies can be expensive, especially when complications arise. If your husband does find another job then it will probably take some time before insurance kicks in...if it’s even good insurance.

I also recommend COBRA - you will continue his benefits for a period of time, up to 18 months. Because he is no longer employed, you would be required to cover both employer and employee portions, but you keep the same benefits.

Your current benefits should continue through the end of the month, most benefits do, but double check. His employer may double deduct his premium from his final paycheck if he hasn’t paid this month yet, so heads up on that. You will have 30 days from the ending date of coverage (last day of the month) to enroll, and they will retroactively cover any claims to that date.

COBRA can be very expensive, especially now that you're without your husband's income. I used to work for health and welfare. You should definitely apply for Medicaid. Once approved, you should be covered through your whole pregnancy, even if your husband finds other work. Otherwise if you try waiting until your husband lands another job with health insurace, the pregnancy might be considered a preexisting condition and may not be covered by the new insurance.

In most states if you get state insurance while you are pregnant you are covered your whole pregnancy. Reminder that 60% of welfare recipients only need assistance for 6-9 months before getting back on thier feet. Hard times dont last forever ! Good luck !

sorry to hear that; I wouldn’t get Cobra because it’s very expensive... I would just apply for state Medicaid as you will automatically get approve because your pregnant. Prayers to you and your family in such difficult time.

You have the option of Cobra but it is usually very expensive and if he has lost his job may be an additional stressor. Medicaid is an option and does cover pregnancy almost always 100% but I’ve heard of both good and terrible care due to the stigma on state funded insurance. I hope your situation gets better soon!